News and events - School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Scienceshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/index.aspx?EventsListingOrig_List_GoToPage=2&NewsListingOrig_SyndicationType=1
Contensis: http://www.contentmanagement.co.ukThe Conversation: Will 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics fall victim to mega-event syndrome?https://theconversation.com/will-2022-beijing-winter-olympics-fall-victim-to-mega-event-syndrome-42227
Beijing has successfully fought off Almaty, Kazakhstan for the 2022 Winter Olympics. China's capital forged ahead with its bid despite concerns that its games will take place over an unprecedented geographical area and will require a set of colossal construction projects, and now the work will begin.Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:26:00 GMThttps://theconversation.com/will-2022-beijing-winter-olympics-fall-victim-to-mega-event-syndrome-42227conversationolymipcsOlympic GamesWinter OlympicschinaThe Conversation: 'Is this really Europe?': refugees in Calais speak of desperate conditionshttps://theconversation.com/is-this-really-europe-refugees-in-calais-speak-of-desperate-conditions-45414
Cameron has pledged that the UK government will do everything it can to deal with this situation, but sitting in the detritus of the Calais camp, it is clear that the real crisis is humanitarian and is being fatally overlooked.Thu, 30 Jul 2015 09:43:00 GMThttps://theconversation.com/is-this-really-europe-refugees-in-calais-speak-of-desperate-conditions-45414conversationhumanitarianimmigrationeuropebordersMigrantsSochi Winter Olympics 'cost billions more than estimated'http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/28Jul15-sochi-winter-olympics.aspx
As the International Olympic Committee prepares to choose between Beijing (China) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) as the host of the 2022 Winter Olympics, a new report shows that the cost of last year's Games in Sochi, Russia, has been underestimated by billions of dollars.Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:36:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/28Jul15-sochi-winter-olympics.aspxolympicsRussiasochieconomyShould we all escape to the country during a heatwave?http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/02Jul-should-we-escape-to-the-country-during-heatwaves.aspx
A new way of mapping temperatures in a city will allow local authorities to consider areas with the most vulnerable people in future heatwave plans.Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/02Jul-should-we-escape-to-the-country-during-heatwaves.aspxurban heat islandsheatwavehealthMinding the gap… city bats won't fly through bright spaceshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/08Jun15-bats-city.aspx
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that bats living in a city are less likely to move from tree to tree in brightly lit areas, according to research published online today (5th June 2015) in the journal Global Change Biology.Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/08Jun15-bats-city.aspxbatscityLightingMapping rivers and preserving livelihoodshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/07May15-mapping-rivers.aspx
River scientists and marine geophysicists from the US and UK - and led by the University of Birmingham - have teamed up for a unique collaboration that could help protect the lives of thousands of people who live close to the banks of some of South Asia's biggest rivers.Thu, 07 May 2015 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/07May15-mapping-rivers.aspxmegascoursscoursriverriversmappingerosiongangesbrahmaputrameghnaBangladeshindiasouthasiaUniversity of BirminghamuniversityBirminghamwater-newsThe Conversation: How we identified weird and wonderful 'Jurassic platypus' dinosaurhttps://theconversation.com/how-we-identified-weird-and-wonderful-jurassic-platypus-dinosaur-40858
When the platypus was discovered in very late 18th century, its bizarre features that appeared to be a mash-up of other animals perplexed naturalists. Now a creature from the past that would have looked like strange mix of unrelated dinosaurs has been discovered. And our research suggests that it belonged to a hitherto unknown lineage of herbivores that lived around 145m years ago, in the Jurassic period.Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:42:00 GMThttps://theconversation.com/how-we-identified-weird-and-wonderful-jurassic-platypus-dinosaur-40858The ConversationarticledinosaursMartin Ezcurraplatypuschilesaurusnaturegeosystems-newsBizarre 'platypus' dinosaur discoveredhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/27Apr15-chilesaurus.aspx
Although closely related to the notorious carnivore Tyrannosaurus rex, a new lineage of dinosaur discovered in Chile is proving to be an evolutionary jigsaw puzzle, as it preferred to graze upon plants. Palaeontologists are referring to Chilesaurus diegosuarezi as a 'platypus' dinosaur because of its extremely bizarre combination of characters that include a proportionally small skull and feet more akin to primitive long-neck dinosaurs.Mon, 27 Apr 2015 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/27Apr15-chilesaurus.aspxchilesaurusdiegosuarezidinosaurChilepalaeontologyUniversity of BirminghamuniversityBirminghamgeosystems-newsThe Birmingham Brief - 'Solid air': how our emissions are altering the carbon cyclehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2015/04/solid-air-16-04-15.aspx
I doubt that John Martyn was thinking about the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to wood when he wrote his 1970s classic, Solid Air. His lyrics focus on the difficulty of moving forward through life as though through solid air. But, as metaphors go, it could hardly be better suited to the springtime reawakening of the plant world.Fri, 17 Apr 2015 08:52:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2015/04/solid-air-16-04-15.aspxcarbon cycleairCarbon dioxidephotosynthesisBIFoRemissionsfossil fuelsfacebirmingham briefeh-newsCall for volunteers: If you are living on a road with heavy traffic, are you curious to know what your exposure to air pollution at your residence is?http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/15Apr15-air-pollution-study.aspx
A research team in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences are recruiting volunteers living on roads with heavy traffic, to take part in a research project investigating personal exposure to airborne pollutants during daily routine activities, such as sitting in traffic and cooking.Wed, 15 Apr 2015 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/15Apr15-air-pollution-study.aspxresearch studyVolunteerstudy volunteersheavy trafficpollutionpollutantsexposureeh-newsEnvironmental Health postgraduate students to attend Universitas 21 conferenceshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/14Apr15-U21-conference.aspx
Two postgraduate students have been selected to represent the University at Universitas 21 (U21) conferences this year. They were chosen to represent the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences out of a very competitive pool of candidates.Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/14Apr15-U21-conference.aspxU21Universitas 21conferenceenvironmental health studentforumcompetitionThe Birmingham Brief: 'Toilet-seat head' amphibian boosts catalogue of Triassic curiositieshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2015/04/toilet-seat-head-amphibian-02-04-2015.aspx
The Triassic, which lasted from 252 to 200 million years ago, is not a geological period that looms large in the public consciousness. It lacks the Hollywood glamour of the Jurassic, and sadly none of its cast is as iconic as stars of the Cretaceous such as Tyrannosaurus rex.Thu, 02 Apr 2015 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2015/04/toilet-seat-head-amphibian-02-04-2015.aspxtriassicGeologydinosaursamphibiangeosystems-newsUncovering the secrets of the Himalayas off the coast of Mumbaihttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/31Mar15-IODP-expedition.aspx
Despite being thousands of kilometres apart, a team of international scientists are collecting samples from the bottom of the Arabian Sea to find out how the growth of the Himalayan mountain range has affected the Asian Monsoon over the last 50 million years. The drilling, taking place off the coast of Mumbai, India, will also help scientists predict monsoon intensity in the future.Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:08:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/31Mar15-IODP-expedition.aspxinternationaloceandrillingprogrammeiodparabianseamumbaiindiahimalayahimalayashimalayanasiaasianmonsoonUniversity of BirminghamuniversityBirminghamgeosystems-newsPrehistoric super salamander was top predator, fossils suggesthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/25Mar15-prehistoric-super-salamander.aspx
A previously undiscovered species of crocodile-like amphibian that lived during the rise of dinosaurs was among Earth's top predators more than 200 million years ago, a study shows.Thu, 26 Mar 2015 09:08:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/25Mar15-prehistoric-super-salamander.aspxdinosaursalamanderRichard Butlercrocodile-like amphibiangeosystems-newsLapworth redevelopment gathers pace with latest grant announcementhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/05Mar15-lapworth-grant-announcement.aspx
The redevelopment of the University of Birmingham's Lapworth Museum of Geology has taken another leap forward with the news that the project has received a £100,000 grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Wolfson Foundation.Thu, 05 Mar 2015 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/05Mar15-lapworth-grant-announcement.aspxLapworth Museum of GeologyredevelopmentTeam of Birmingham students announced as BP Ultimate Field Trip finalistshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/19Feb15-bp-uft-finalists.aspx
A team of undergraduate students from the University of Birmingham have been announced as finalists for the BP 2015 Ultimate Field Trip (UFT), the UK's leading university STEM competition that asks teams of three students to come up with a solution to a real-world global energy challenge.Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/19Feb15-bp-uft-finalists.aspxcompetitionfinalawardprizeField tripenergywaterchallengeStudent PrizeFunded initiative to train specialists in risk, mitigation and Big Datahttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/03Feb15-big-data-initiative.aspx
The University of Birmingham forms part of a consortium of universities awarded £2.5m by NERC to train the next generation of researchers to become experts at assessing and mitigating risk using Big Data.Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/03Feb15-big-data-initiative.aspxBig DataconsortiumNERCawardriskfundingRisk ManagementThe burning issue of the world's vulnerable carbon sinkshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/27Jan15-carbon-sinks.aspx
Changing climate conditions and increasing occurrences of wildfires may leave globally important carbon stocks defenceless, new research shows.A study led by the University of Birmingham (UK), shows vast carbon-rich layers of peat (dead plant debris) found across the world are under threat from a drop in general water table levels and warmer temperatures, as a result of climate change. With drier peatlands becoming more prevalent and wildfire activity on the increase, the peat's carbon content is at a higher risk of being released into our atmosphere.Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2015/27Jan15-carbon-sinks.aspxpeatpeatlandpeatlandswildfireClimatechangetemperaturecarbonatmosphereCanadaUKUSARussiaUniversity of BirminghamuniversityBirminghamSchool performs strongly in Research Excellence Framework 2014http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/18Dec-school-performs-strongly-in-research-excellence-framework-2014.aspx
The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences has achieved a very strong performance in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF 2014).Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/18Dec-school-performs-strongly-in-research-excellence-framework-2014.aspxGEESREF 2014resultsresearch impactdavid hannahenvironmental changewaterenergypollutionNatural Hazardsresearch excellence frameworkNew funded PhD project: The completeness of the tetrapod fossil recordhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/12Dec-the-completeness-of-the-tetrapod-fossil-record.aspx
Applications are being invited for a new funded PhD project: The completeness of the tetrapod fossil record.Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/12Dec-the-completeness-of-the-tetrapod-fossil-record.aspxphd jobsjob advertismentRichard Butlerfossil recordpalaeontologyEvolutionbiogeographyecologydiversitytetrapodsERCPaeleobiologyNew fully funded PhD project: The role of volatiles in controlling chalcophile element distribution in the continental crusthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/12Dec-the-role-of-volatiles-in-controlling-chalcophile-element-distribution-in-the-continental-crust.aspx
Applications are being invited for a new fully funded PhD project: The role of volatiles in controlling chalcophile element distribution in the continental crust.Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/12Dec-the-role-of-volatiles-in-controlling-chalcophile-element-distribution-in-the-continental-crust.aspxphd jobsjob advertismentjob advertGEESSebastian WattAlan Hastiemantlegeodynamicscrustarc magnetismvolcanicrocksAir pollution in Delhi is worse during winter, international research study showshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/02Dec-air-pollution-delhi.aspx
As the cold weather sets in, a quantitative analysis on particulate matter (PM) in Delhi has highlighted that residents are exposed to significantly higher levels of air pollutants in the Indian capital during winter than in summer.Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/02Dec-air-pollution-delhi.aspxairpollutionDelhiindiaUniversity of BirminghamuniversityBirminghamSchool of GeographyEarth & Environmental ScienceProfessor Roy M. HarrisonEnvironmental Health Sciences Groupeh-newsApplications invited for 12-month Post Doctoral Research Fellow posthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/19Nov-applications-invited-for-12-month-post-doctoral-research-fellow-post.aspx
Applications are invited for a 12 month Post Doctoral Research Fellow post to undertake magnetic susceptibility measurements research. The researcher will join a very active groundwater and geomagnetism research team.Wed, 19 Nov 2014 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/19Nov-applications-invited-for-12-month-post-doctoral-research-fellow-post.aspxresearch fellowjob advertGEESGroundwaternanoparticleEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Councilmagnetic susceptibility measurementsLaser scientists' new research should improve the treatment of the 5 million asthma sufferers in the UKhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/14Nov-laser-scientists-new-research-should-improve-the-treatment-of-asthma-sufferers.aspx
GEES researchers have used a laser beam trap to examine how drug particles from asthma inhalers behave as they are projected through the air. Their findings could improve the effectiveness of inhalers for the 5 million people in the UK suffering from asthma.Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:19:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/14Nov-laser-scientists-new-research-should-improve-the-treatment-of-asthma-sufferers.aspxFrancis PopeGEESasthmabreathingresearcherslaserbeamsparticleseh-newsThe Conversation: Want to feed the world? Tackle pollution from ozone and soothttp://theconversation.com/want-to-feed-the-world-tackle-pollution-from-ozone-and-soot-33761
Pollution from soot and ozone has caused a major decrease of crop yields in India, with some densely populated states experiencing 50% relative yield losses. Zongbo Shi argues that to ensure the world has enough food, we need to look directly at air pollution.Tue, 04 Nov 2014 15:49:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/want-to-feed-the-world-tackle-pollution-from-ozone-and-soot-33761Zongbo ShiAir pollutioncropsThe ConversationfoodGEESozoneeh-newsThe Conversation: Climate change: it's only human to exaggerate, but science itself does nothttp://theconversation.com/climate-change-its-only-human-to-exaggerate-but-science-itself-does-not-33150
To exaggerate is human, and scientists are human. Exaggeration and the complementary art of simplification are the basic rhetorical tools of human intercourse. So yes, scientists do exaggerate. So do politicians, perhaps even when, as the UK's former environment secretary Owen Paterson did, they claim that climate change forecasts are "widely exaggerated". A more pertinent question is: does the way in which scientists and politicians speak publicly lead to wild exaggeration?Fri, 17 Oct 2014 16:34:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/climate-change-its-only-human-to-exaggerate-but-science-itself-does-not-33150Rob Mackenzieclimate changeThe Conversationpoliticseh-newsStudy ties groundwater to human evolutionhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/11sep-study-ties-groundwater-to-human-evolution.aspx
A new study, led by Dr Mark Cuthbert of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, shows that our ancient ancestors' ability to move around and find new sources of groundwater during extremely dry periods in Africa millions of years ago may have been key to their survival and the evolution of the human species.Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/11sep-study-ties-groundwater-to-human-evolution.aspxscience technologyHealth scienceFirst Venezuelan dinosaur discoveredhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/06Aug-first-venezuelan-dinosaur-discovered.aspx
A new dinosaur species from South America has been identified, according to new research by an international team of scientists. The 200 million year old fossils are from the La Quinta Formation in Venezuela, making this the first dinosaur find in the north of South America. The species is named Laquintasaura venezuelae, after its location, in a paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/06Aug-first-venezuelan-dinosaur-discovered.aspxGEESdinosaurfossilVenezuelaRichard ButlerextinctionRoyal Societygeosystems-newsA word in your ear, but make it snappyhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/28July-a-word-in-your-ear-but-make-it-snappy.aspx
Crocodiles usually conjure images of sharp teeth and powerful jaws – but they are not famous for their hearing. However this could all change as new research sheds light on the reptiles' ears, showcasing their evolution from the reign of the dinosaurs to the modern era.Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/28July-a-word-in-your-ear-but-make-it-snappy.aspxGEESRichard ButlercrocodileshearingEvolutionfossilsDinosaurs fell victim to perfect storm of events, study showshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/28Jul-dinosaurs-fell-victim-to-perfect-storm-of-events.aspx
Dinosaurs might have survived the asteroid strike that wiped them out if it had taken place slightly earlier or later in history, scientists say.Mon, 28 Jul 2014 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/28Jul-dinosaurs-fell-victim-to-perfect-storm-of-events.aspxGEESRichard Butlerdinosaurextinctionpalaeontologygeosystems-newsRock and roll – Lapworth staff celebrate historic multimillion pound redevelopment granthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/22July-lapworth-staff-celebrate-multimillion-pound-grant.aspx
The University of Birmingham's Lapworth Museum of Geology is celebrating the receipt of a major Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant towards a £2.5 million redevelopment project.Tue, 22 Jul 2014 09:40:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/22July-lapworth-staff-celebrate-multimillion-pound-grant.aspxLife and Environmental SciencesThe Birmingham Brief: To find space in the UK, blur the lines between town and countryhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/2014/07/finding-space-in-the-uk.aspx
Two substantial contributions to the debate on how we use land in the UK have come out in quick succession; first came the Best Use of UK Agricultural Land from the University of Cambridge's Natural Capital Leaders Platform, then the UK National Ecosystem Assessment follow-on report. Although there is much common ground, the reports seem to be pushing us in opposite directions.Fri, 11 Jul 2014 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/2014/07/finding-space-in-the-uk.aspxGEESbirmingham briefRob Mackenzieforestrylandagriculturefoodeh-newsResearcher awarded Michael K O'Rourke Prize for best PhD publicationhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/27June-orourke-prize-for-best-publication.aspx
GEES doctoral researcher Martín Ezcurra has won the University of Birmingham Graduate School's Michael K O'Rourke Prize for best PhD publication.Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:58:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/27June-orourke-prize-for-best-publication.aspxMartin Ezcurramichael k o'rourke awardsPhD projectsPermiantriassicfossilscrocodilegeosystems-newsThe Birmingham Brief: Microbeads are just one ingredient in the Pacific's 'plastic soup'http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2014/05/a-drop-in-the-ocean-microbeads-are-just-one-ingredient-in-the-pacifics-plastic-soup.aspx
Professor Stuart Harrad discusses recent reports in the national press that have drawn attention to calls for a ban on the use of tiny plastic beads (microbeads) added as exfoliants and abradants to toiletries like cosmetics and toothpaste.Thu, 22 May 2014 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2014/05/a-drop-in-the-ocean-microbeads-are-just-one-ingredient-in-the-pacifics-plastic-soup.aspxGEESmicrobeadscosmeticsabradantsstuart harradeh-newsAthena SWAN award recognises school's commitment to supporting women in academiahttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/06May-award-recognises-commitment-to-supporting-women-in-academia.aspx
The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences has won an Athena SWAN Bronze award for its commitment to supporting the careers of women in academia.Tue, 06 May 2014 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/06May-award-recognises-commitment-to-supporting-women-in-academia.aspxGEESAthena SWAN Bronze Awardwomen in scienceJessica PykettDoctoral Researcher's newspaper article sheds light on Chernobyl exclusion zonehttp://ind.pn/1hFto3T
Doctoral Researcher Thom Davies has written an article for The Independent about life in the exclusion zone around Chernobyl.Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:07:00 GMThttp://ind.pn/1hFto3TGeography Earth and Environmental SciencesChernobylThe Conversation: The particles big and small that make up Saharan smoghttp://theconversation.com/the-particles-big-and-small-that-make-up-saharan-smog-25190
Professor Rob MacKenzie has written an article for The Conversation entitled "The particles big and small that make up Saharan smog". The UK news media has been buzzing with reports of air pollution alerts associated, at least in part, with the long-range transport of dust from the Sahara. Colleagues from Africa have asked why we in the UK are worried about the health effects of a relatively rare occurrence of this long-range dust all the way across Europe, when African countries experience dust storms of much higher intensity almost daily at some times of year.Thu, 03 Apr 2014 15:01:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/the-particles-big-and-small-that-make-up-saharan-smog-25190eh-newsThe Conversation: Earth's ozone layer threatened by new man-made gaseshttp://theconversation.com/earths-ozone-layer-threatened-by-new-man-made-gases-24168
William Bloss, Reader in Atmospheric Sciences, has written an article for The Conversation titled 'Earth's ozone layer threatened by new man-made gases'. Scientists at the University of East Anglia have discovered new man-made gases that are contributing to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer. Three new Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which act to destroy ozone, have been identified. This may be bad news for ozone, and potentially also for environmental legislation.Fri, 14 Mar 2014 10:57:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/earths-ozone-layer-threatened-by-new-man-made-gases-24168The ConversationarticleWilliam Blossozone layerCFCseh-newsThe Conversation: Technology isn't ready to clean up fracking's radioactive legacyhttp://theconversation.com/technology-isnt-ready-to-clean-up-frackings-radioactive-legacy-23116
Alan Herbert, Senior Lecturer in Radioactive Waste Disposal and Remediation, has written an article for The Conversation titled 'Technology isn't ready to clean up fracking's radioactive legacy'. If fracking is to be a viable option for energy production, the industry must find a way to deal with the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) that are released as a byproduct of the process. These radioactive materials and their environmental consequences must be accounted for.Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:49:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/technology-isnt-ready-to-clean-up-frackings-radioactive-legacy-23116The ConversationarticleAlan HerbertFrackingCall for volunteers for air pollution research projecthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/03Mar14-air-pollution-volunteers.aspx
We are recruiting volunteers to take part in a research project investigating personal exposures to airborne pollutants during daily routine activities such as traffic and cooking. If you are interested, please contact Ms Maryam Shehab (MAS247@bham.ac.uk) or phone: +44 (0)121 414 5557.Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2014/03Mar14-air-pollution-volunteers.aspxvolunteersstudytake partair pollution studyAir pollutionpollutionpollutantsThe Conversation: How mass extinctions drove the evolution of dinosaurshttp://theconversation.com/how-mass-extinctions-drove-the-evolution-of-dinosaurs-21720
Richard Butler, Birmingham Fellow & Academic Keeper, Lapworth Museum of Geology, has written an article for The Conversation titled 'How mass extinctions drove the evolution of dinosaurs'. Dinosaurs are stereotypical symbols of failure, because, apart from birds, none of their lineage have survived. A massive meteorite strike caused their mass extinction about 65 million years ago. But this event negatively skews our perception of the dinosaur story. In fact, far from failures, dinosaurs were highly successful.Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:00:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/how-mass-extinctions-drove-the-evolution-of-dinosaurs-21720The ConversationarticleRichard Butlerextinctionsdinosaursgeosystems-newsMajor £15 million gift to the University of Birmingham enables creation of Forest Research Institutehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/07Nov13-bifor-project.aspx
A new Institute for Forest Research will be established by the University of Birmingham to study the impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands, and the resilience of trees to pests and diseases, thanks to a transformational gift of £15 million.Wed, 13 Nov 2013 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/07Nov13-bifor-project.aspxeh-newsNew NERC doctoral training partnership award led by the University of Birminghamhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/07Nov13-nerc-partnership.aspx
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has just announced the results of a funding competition for doctoral training to replace its algorithm system and CENTA is one of the successful partnerships with an award valued at £4.9M.Thu, 07 Nov 2013 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/07Nov13-nerc-partnership.aspxNERCCENTAfundingtrainingdoctoral trainingstudentshopspartnershipNew training course: The Practical use of mini- and micro-UAS for the Environmental Scienceshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/29Oct-uas-training.aspx
Rick Thomas and Rob MacKenzie have secured funding from the Natural Environment Research Council to run a training course for PhD students on the practical use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS, sometimes called "drones") for research in the Earth and environmental sciences.Tue, 29 Oct 2013 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/29Oct-uas-training.aspxLife and Environmental SciencesThe Conversation: Not just weapons of war: drones hold much potential for civilianshttp://theconversation.com/not-just-weapons-of-war-drones-hold-much-potential-for-civilians-18933
Rob MacKenzie, Professor of Atmospheric Science, has written an article for The Conversation titled 'Not just weapons of war: drones hold much potential for civilians'. Robotic aircraft, or drones, are a much-debated military technology. But while this change in military capability challenges our shared senses of threat and protection, robotic aircraft have also been changing the way we do all kinds of other important things.Tue, 22 Oct 2013 14:10:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/not-just-weapons-of-war-drones-hold-much-potential-for-civilians-18933The ConversationarticleRob Mackenziedronesrobotic aircraftmilitarythreatprotectionEnvironmental Health student awarded gold medal for Graduate of the Year 2013http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/11Oct13-graduate-of-the-year.aspx
A student who graduated with MSc in Environmental Health with Distinction in October 2012 has been awarded the Gold Medal as Graduate of the Year 2013 by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.Sun, 13 Oct 2013 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/11Oct13-graduate-of-the-year.aspxCharley Woodmanawardgold medalgraduate of the yearenvironmental healthgraduateCIEHeh-newsMike Beazley receives award at Parliamentary receptionhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/19Sep13-beazley-award.aspx
On 4th September Mike Beazley was given an award at a Parliamentary reception in Portcullis House, London, as one of the planning aid pioneers who had been instrumental in establishing planning aid as a key activity of the Royal Town Planning Institute.Mon, 16 Sep 2013 14:08:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/19Sep13-beazley-award.aspxMike BeazleyplanningawardRTPIRoyal Town PlanningThe Conversation: Fracking earthquakes and flaming water: but not in the UKhttp://theconversation.com/fracking-earthquakes-and-flaming-water-but-not-in-the-uk-18176
Alan Herbert, Senior Lecturer in Radioactive Waste Disposal and Remediation, has written an article for The Conversation titled Fracking earthquakes and flaming water: but not in the UK'. Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Davey, reignited the row over fracking this week, when he insisted this method of extracting shale gas was no "great evil" and could act as a bridge to a "green future" in the UK so long as it was properly regulated.Fri, 13 Sep 2013 14:11:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/fracking-earthquakes-and-flaming-water-but-not-in-the-uk-18176The ConversationarticleAlan HerbertFrackingGlobal ranking reinforces Birmingham's position as a world-class universityhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/10-Sept-Global-ranking-reinforces-Birminghams-position-as-a-world-class-university.aspx
The University of Birmingham has made an impressive 15 place rise to 62nd in this year's QS World University Rankings, cementing its position in the top 100 universities globally and placing it 10th in the UK.Tue, 10 Sep 2013 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/10-Sept-Global-ranking-reinforces-Birminghams-position-as-a-world-class-university.aspxQS rankingindiaThe Conversation: Fixing air pollution is like walking: easy until the ground starts movinghttp://theconversation.com/fixing-air-pollution-is-like-walking-easy-until-the-ground-starts-moving-16179
Rob MacKenzie, Professor of Atmospheric Science, has written an article for The Conversation titled 'Fixing air pollution is like walking: easy until the ground starts moving'. There is something of a sensory dissonance in modern cities. Glamorous as they are, the breath of contemporary cities stinks. A recent study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters found that two million premature deaths worldwide are associated with outdoor air pollution. Read the full article on The Conversation website...Fri, 19 Jul 2013 11:20:00 GMThttp://theconversation.com/fixing-air-pollution-is-like-walking-easy-until-the-ground-starts-moving-16179The ConversationRob MackenziearticlepollutionAir pollutioncitycitiesemissionssocietySmartphone app available on Google Playhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/11Jul13-smartphone-app.aspx
MapLocal, an android smartphone app developed as part of an AHRC project led by Phil Jones has just been made available to download via Google Play. The app allows people to collect information about their neighbourhood in real time while walking around, capturing georeferenced photos, comments and audio clips. It was designed as part of a project looking ways to help communities draw up neighbourhood plans under the provisions of the Localism Act, 2011.Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/11Jul13-smartphone-app.aspxMapLocalmapcrowdsourceappSmartphoneahrcPhil JonesGoogle PlayneighbourhoodcommunitiesgeoreferencingFirst direct measurements of chemical ozone production in India obtainedhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/01Jul--ozone-production-india.aspx
Hao Huang and Bill Bloss recently completed measurements of atmospheric ozone production in India, at TERI University in Delhi, and IISER Mohali in Chandigarh, supported through a Royal Society exchange grant in collaboration with Dr Nandini Kumar (TERI) and Prof Vinayak Sinha (Mohali).Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/01Jul--ozone-production-india.aspxatmospheric ozonegrantozonechemical ozoneair qualityeh-newsManufacturing areas are lighting up the Cityhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/07May-manufacturing-city.aspx
Manufacturing areas in the city of Birmingham, which represent only a small percentage of the city's land area, are contributing significantly to urban lighting, according to research carried out by University of Birmingham environmental scientists published in the journal PLOS ONE today (Monday 6th May 2013).Tue, 14 May 2013 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/07May-manufacturing-city.aspxBirminghammanufacturingurban lightingLightingAir Pollution study featured on BBC One's Bang Goes the Theoryhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/30Apr13-bang-goes-the-theory.aspx
Research led by Dr Juana Mari Delgado-Saborit was featured in the BBC programme 'Bang Goes the Theory', in an episode investigating Air Pollution.Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/30Apr13-bang-goes-the-theory.aspxDr Juana Mari Delgado-SaboritJuana MariAir pollutionBBCprogrammepollutioneh-news1.1 million euro grant awarded to ELUTE project to further understanding of brominated persistent organic chemicalshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/11Apr13-elute-grant.aspx
Stuart Harrad has been awarded a grant from the European Commission under its European Industrial Doctorate scheme within the Marie Curie Initial Training Network Call. ELUTE's main research goal is to further understanding of the environmental fate and behaviour of brominated persistent organic chemicals and how best we may deploy recent advances in analytical instrumentation to do so.Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/11Apr13-elute-grant.aspxstuart harradELUTEEuropean CommissionEurograntfundingawardprojectenvironmental fatebrominatedpersistent organic chemicalseh-newsMap of social media-generated snow depth data across Birminghamhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/09Apr13-social-media-snow-data.aspx
With all the snow that fell over the last few months, Catherine Muller teamed up with the online local news provider 'Birmingham Updates' (@BhamUpdates) in order to collect snow depth data within and surrounding Birmingham.Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/09Apr13-social-media-snow-data.aspxCatherine Mullercatsnow depthsnowdataweather datasocial mediaResearch shows that Summer melt season is getting longer on the Antarctic Peninsulahttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/27Mar13-summer-melt-season.aspx
New research from the Antarctic Peninsula published in the Journal of Geophysical Research shows that the summer melt season has been getting longer over the last 60 years.Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/27Mar13-summer-melt-season.aspxAntarctic peninsulaweather stationsMeltingMark BarrandNick BarrandNicholas BarrandbarrandNERC CASE studentship awardhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/18Mar13-studentship-award.aspx
Xiaoming Cai, Lee Chapman and John Thornes have been awarded a NERC CASE Studentship for the project "Quantifying the influence of wind advection on urban heat island for an improvement of a climate change adaptation planning tool".Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/18Mar13-studentship-award.aspxNERCstudentshipClimateclimate changeGrant success with the Internet of Things callhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/12mar13-grant-internet-of-things.aspx
Lee Chapman and Catherine Muller have won two 12 month demonstrator grants funded by the Technology Strategy Board under the Internet of Things (IOT) call. IOT literally means 'things' (e.g. sensors and other smart devices) which are connected to the internet.Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/12mar13-grant-internet-of-things.aspxlee chapmanCatherine MullerinternetInternet of ThingsIOTTechnology Strategy BoardUK and USA collaborate in airborne climate science projectshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/25Jan-airborne-climate-science.aspx
Birmingham scientists are taking part in the first scientific collaboration of its kind, where British and American scientists are trading skills and expertise and are using an unmanned robotic aircraft to gather high altitude atmospheric data.Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/25Jan-airborne-climate-science.aspxRob MackenzieairborneNASAaircrafteh-newsShark Tank Re-Fit Lends Teeth To Research Into Prehistoric Seashttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/17Jan13-shark-tank-re-fit.aspx
Thousands of shark teeth from the bed of a Blackpool fish tank are helping researchers at the University of Birmingham in their quest to probe ancient mysteries of the deep.Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/17Jan13-shark-tank-re-fit.aspxIvan Sansomshark teethprehistoricInternational research study to shed light on sources of air-polluting dust in Indiahttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/15Jan13-air-polluting-dust.aspx
A quantitative analysis of dust sources in Delhi by scientists from India, the UK and the USA will provide important new insight into how individual sources of air-borne matter contribute to the overall concentrations measured in the atmosphere.Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2013/15Jan13-air-polluting-dust.aspxDelhiindiadustAir pollutionpublic healthUKIERINevadaeh-newsBUCCANEER project recognised for environmental sustainability by the Lord Stafford Awardshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/21Nov12-lord-stafford-award.aspx
BUCCANEER, an innovative partnership with Birmingham City Council which developed a climate modelling tool, won the award for Environmental Sustainability at the prestigious Lord Stafford awards held on Thursday 15th November.Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:43:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/21Nov12-lord-stafford-award.aspxBUCCANEERpartnershipBirminghamcitycouncilClimateModellingawardenvironmentalenvironmentSustainabilitysustainableLord StaffordgreenweatherLapworth Museum wins heritage lottery grant and seeks volunteers to help shape its redevelopmenthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/15Nov-heritage-lottery-grant.aspx
The Lapworth Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund Development grant of £130,000 to progress plans to apply for a full grant for a major redevelopment project to create a significantly improved visitor experience and widen its access to young people, the public, and schools. Find out how you can get involved...Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/15Nov-heritage-lottery-grant.aspxWater deficiency in rivers could profoundly harm aquatic lifehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/14Sep12-aquatic-life.aspx
Research led by Mark Ledger has shown that critically low water levels in many rivers could lead to the partial collapse of food chains that support aquatic life. The research, which has been published in the journal Nature Climate Change, forms the conclusion to one of the longest experiments on drought ever conducted in freshwaters.Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/14Sep12-aquatic-life.aspxMark LedgerwaterriversaquaticnatureClimatefreshwatersRapid re-colonisation of river after extreme floodhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/07Sep12-wolf-creek-recolonisation.aspx
After being virtually eliminated during a flood in 2005 in Wolf Point Creek, Alaska, salmon, meiofauna and most macroinvertebrates all re-colonised within two years, according to research led by Sandy Milner, and published recently in the journal Nature Climate Change.Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/07Sep12-wolf-creek-recolonisation.aspxClimatenatureResiliencesalmoncolonycolonisere-coloniseWolf Point CreekAlaskafloodextremeweatherSandyMilnerpopulationsurvivalResearching the air pollution filtering effects of green wallshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-mackenzie-green-walls.aspx
Professor Rob MacKenzie, in collaboration with researchers from Lancaster University, has produced a paper which suggests that by 'greening up' our streets a massive 30% reduction in pollution could be achieved.Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-mackenzie-green-walls.aspxRobMacKenzieLancasterpollutionairgreenwallurbancanyonstreetsgreeningplantstreesfilterwallsEnvironmental Science programmes receive accreditation from the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-env-sci-ies-accreditation.aspx
Our undergraduate programmes in Environmental Science have been accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Accreditation by this professional organisation reflects the high quality our degree programmes and recognises the excellence in teaching, learning and research aligned with professional development and practice.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-env-sci-ies-accreditation.aspxEnvironmental ScienceenvsciIESinstituteenvironmentalscienceaccreditedaccreditation£370K grant awarded to investigate relationship between prison visitation and reoffending in the UKhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-moran-grant.aspx
Dominique Moran and Louise Dixon (Psychology) have been successful in obtaining funding from the ESRC for a project entitled 'Breaking the Cycle? Prison Visitation and Recidivism in the UK' (£370k fEC). This 3-year interdisciplinary project will provide a new perspective on prison visitation and its relationship to the highly topical issue of recidivism.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-moran-grant.aspxdominiquemorandixonESRCprisonvisitationrecidivismreoffendingreoffendresettlementpenalLee Chapman and colleagues win £109K grant for rail planning projecthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-livingrail-grant.aspx
Lee Chapman and colleagues from Civil Engineering have been successful in obtaining £109k from FP7 as part of the LivingRail (Planning rail towards 2050) project.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/29Aug12-livingrail-grant.aspxlee chapmanrailwayrailtrainlivingrailspatialplanningelectrifiedelectrifyRailwaysrail-linesenvironmentFP7grantfundingPublication of significant new text: Speleothem Sciencehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/18May12-speleothem-science-book.aspx
Last month saw the publication of a new text by Ian Fairchild and former Birmingham staff member Andy Baker which concerns cave archives of environmental change.Fri, 18 May 2012 17:29:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/18May12-speleothem-science-book.aspxspeleothemcaveIan FaircalcareousstalagmitesstalactitesflowstonescarbonateGeologygeochemistryQuaternarydepositenvironmental changeOlympic hopes for final year Geography student and hockey acehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/04Apr12-susie-gilbert-olympics.aspx
'As a child I always had aspirations to go to the Olympics and represent my sport at the highest level, but not until recently did I realise that I wanted to do this as a full-time occupation for the foreseeable future'. So says Susie Gilbert, final year Geography student and women's Olympic hockey hopeful.Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:23:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/04Apr12-susie-gilbert-olympics.aspxProfessor Roy Harrison awarded the Royal Meteorological Society's Fitzroy Prizehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/15Mar12-harrison-fitzroy-prize.aspx
Professor Roy Harrison has been awarded the Fitzroy Prize of the Royal Meteorological Society for 2011 "for his outstanding work at the intersection of meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and environmental health".Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:05:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/15Mar12-harrison-fitzroy-prize.aspxRoy HarrisonFitzroy prizeMeteorologyenvironmental healthRoyal Meteorological SocietySuccess for 'Connected Communities' project bidshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/10Feb12-connected-communities.aspx
Phil Jones has successfully led two bids to the AHRC's Connected Communities scheme.Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/10Feb12-connected-communities.aspxahrcprojectconnected communitiesculturecultural intermediationlocalismgovernmentAGENDACommunityResilience led planning research in CURS boosted by new awardshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/03Feb12-peter-lee-grants.aspx
The first grant has been awarded by the ESRC and JSPS (Japan Society for the promotions of Science) and will be used for a project entitled Planning Responses to 'Shock' and 'Slow-Burn' Events: the Role of Redundancy in Regional Resilience. The second grant (of 10K) has been awarded through EPSRC for a project entitled Open Source Food Distribution: Delivering Distributed Food Manufacture to Enhance Resilience.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/03Feb12-peter-lee-grants.aspxPeter LeeJSPSslow burngrantsplanningshockResilienceCURSEPSRCESRCfood distributionVolunteers wanted for air pollution research projecthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/03Feb12-air-pollution-volunteers.aspx
The Environmental Health Sciences FIXAT project team are seeking to recruit adult non-smoking volunteers to take part in a research project studying exposure to air pollution arising from new or recently decorated buildings.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/03Feb12-air-pollution-volunteers.aspxvolunteersAir pollutionGeographyenvironmentalGEESMSci Geology student awarded the the national geological mapping prize for 2012http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/20Jan12-maddy-ralph-mapping-prize.aspx
MSci Geology student Maddy Ralph (pictured right) has been awarded the the national geological mapping prize for 2012. The Dave Johnston Memorial Field Mapping Prize is awarded to the best geological map produced by a student in the UK or Ireland on the basis of their independent research project.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/20Jan12-maddy-ralph-mapping-prize.aspxMSci GeologyMaddy RalphGeologymapping prizeDave Johnstonfield mappinggeologicalmapDr Juana Mari Delgado-Saborit has been awarded the 2011 Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator Awardhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/20Jan12-delgado-saborit-award.aspx
Dr Juana Mari Delgado-Saborit has been awarded the 2011 Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator Award. The Award will provide 300,000 USD to develop a research project relevant to the health effects of air pollution.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2012/20Jan12-delgado-saborit-award.aspxJuana Mari Delgado-SaboritWalter A Rosenblithnew investigatorAir pollutionhealth effects instituteRussell Coope, Honorary Professor of Quaternary Science, dies aged 82http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/06Dec11-russell-coope.aspx
Russell Coope, Honorary Professor of Quaternary Science, and Birmingham staff member (1955-1993), internationally famous for his work on reconstructing climate from fossil beetles, died on 28th November, aged 82.Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/06Dec11-russell-coope.aspxRussell CoopeQuaternaryfossil beetlesShottonGeologyQuaternary Research AssociationQRARob MacKenzie interviewed about the effects of World War Two aviation on climatehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/15Nov11-wwII-vapour-trails.aspx
Professor Rob MacKenzie was interviewed by The Weather Network TV channel (Canada) about his work on aircraft contrails in World War Two, which has just been published in the International Journal of Climatology.Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/15Nov11-wwII-vapour-trails.aspxRob MackenzieWeather Network TV ChannelWW2World War Twosecond world warJournal of Climatologyaircraft contrailscloudvapour trailsResearch being undertaken for Natural England aims to understand the influence of climate and humans on river flowhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/14Nov11-river-flow.aspx
The BBC Countryfile team have been filming a water tracing experiment undertaken by Professor John Gunn as part of research for Natural England that aims to understand why the upper River Lathkill in Derbyshire dries up, and whether mitigation is possible.Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/14Nov11-river-flow.aspxRiver LathkillNatural Englandwater tracingjohn gunncountryfileUK Space Agency 'Space for All' Sponsorship Scheme Fundinghttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/08Nov11-uk-space-agency.aspx
Catherine Muller, Lee Chapman and Duick Young have successfully been granted a small award from the UK Space Agency. The money will be used for purchasing equipment and developing workshops and resources for schools.Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/08Nov11-uk-space-agency.aspxUK Space Agencylee chapmanDuick YoungCatherine MullerHiTempbuclGlaciers Make Way for New Stream Habitat in Alaskahttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/17Oct11GlaciersMakeWayforNewStreamHabitatinAlaska.aspx
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and other UK universities describe the evolution and assembly of a stream ecosystem in South East Alaska in new de-glaciated terrain, from early insect and crustacean invaders to the arrival of migrating salmon from the ocean, in a paper published in the journal 'Ecology' this month (October).Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/17Oct11GlaciersMakeWayforNewStreamHabitatinAlaska.aspxChrissie takes Ironman Championship title again, while Rachel rejoices at fourth placehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/17Oct11ChrissietakesIronmanChampionshiptitleagain,whileRachelrejoicesatfourthplace.aspx
Alumna Chrissie Wellington won the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship title on Saturday, October 8, deservedly earning the crown for the fourth time in five years.Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/17Oct11ChrissietakesIronmanChampionshiptitleagain,whileRachelrejoicesatfourthplace.aspxChrissie WellingtonRachel JoycesportBirminghamIronmanIronman Championships 2011KonaSea Life Sharks Help Scientists Probe Mysteries of Ancient Seashttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/17Oct11SeaLifeSharksHelpScientistsProbeMysteriesofAncientSeas.aspx
Sea Life Centre sharks are set to help University of Birmingham scientists unravel the mysteries of ancient seas. That will be the goal of a major research project announced as the centres prepare to host special Shark Weeks in October, to promote shark conservation.Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/17Oct11SeaLifeSharksHelpScientistsProbeMysteriesofAncientSeas.aspxDynamic Snowball discovered in Svalbardhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/10Oct-snowball-earth.aspx
The third period of fieldwork in the NERC-funded GAINS project (Glacial Activity in Neoproterozoic Svalbard) was carried out successfully this summer in three field camps amongst the highland glaciers of North East Spitsbergen.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/10Oct-snowball-earth.aspxgainsGeographyearthenvironmentalGEESnewsSvalbardNeoproterozoicglacial activityVolunteers wanted for air pollution research projecthttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/10Oct-air-pollution-volunteers.aspx
The Environmental Health Sciences FIXAT project team are seeking to recruit adult non-smoking volunteers to take part in a research project studying exposure to air pollution arising from new or recently decorated buildings.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:50:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/10Oct-air-pollution-volunteers.aspxvolunteersAir pollutionGeographyenvironmentalGEESThe cost of breathing? - about £65 each yearhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/02SeptThecostofbreathing-about65eachyear.aspx
The whole atmosphere is effectively worth more than 100 times the value of the world economy (Gross World Product – GWP), according to research being presented to the annual International Conference of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) today by Professor John Thornes of the University of Birmingham's School of Geography.Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/02SeptThecostofbreathing-about65eachyear.aspxGeographyairbreathingcostProfessor John Bryson in Radio 4 panel discussionhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/bryson-radio4.aspx
Professor John Bryson was on the Radio 4 World Tonight programme on Monday 29 August, in a half hour panel discussion with Lord Douglas Hurd and Gisela Stuart MP about the benefits of being an EU member and the Eurozone crisis.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/bryson-radio4.aspxbrysonradio 4EurozoneEUBBC Weatherman and Birmingham Graduate John Hammond does the Honourshttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/john-hammond.aspx
John Hammond returned to Birmingham for the first time in over 20 years (he took the MSc in Applied Meteorology and Climatology in 1988/89) when he kindly opened two new important Birmingham Weather stations this week. The first is in Paradise Circus in the city centre and the second is on a new Winterbourne site on campus. The difference in air temperature between the two sites is representative of the strength of Birmingham's Urban Heat Island at any given time.Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/john-hammond.aspxLife and Environmental SciencesRecently established Birmingham Urban Climate Lab (BUCL) visits Moseley Primary Schoolhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/bucl.aspx
Catherine Muller and Duick Young from BUCL recently visited Moseley Primary School to give a talk to Years 3-5. The interactive talk was entitled 'Hot Cities! Temperature, Towns, Climate and Scientists' and was very well received – they will be returning to the school over the coming months to install a temperature sensor as part of the HiTemp project, and to carry out related-project work with year 6.Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:51:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/bucl.aspxbuclHiTempbirmingham urban climate labResilience through innovation: Critical local transport and utility infrastructurehttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/resilience-project.aspx
A research team from the University of Birmingham is tackling the problem of resilience as it relates to critical local infrastructure, with future, innovative projects shining brightly on the horizon. The team draws from five major research groups at Birmingham, all of whom are addressing core themes of infrastructure and resilience. Professor Chris Rogers is leading the project with support from Dr David Chapman and Dr Ian Jefferson (Civil Engineering); Dr Austin Barber, Professor John Bryson, Dr Lee Chapman and Professor Jon Coaffee (GEES); and Professor Chris Baker and Dr Andrew Quinn (Centre for Railway Research and Education).Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/resilience-project.aspxResilienceresearchSchool of GeographyEarth and Environmental SciencesDiscovering 'Snowball Earth'http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/snowball-earth-may-2011.aspx
Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/snowball-earth-may-2011.aspxsnowballearthGeographyEarth and Environmental SciencesWater Sciences Group join the social networking craze!http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/water-science-network.aspx
Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/water-science-network.aspxLife and Environmental SciencesRiver Sediment Pollution Project: SILTFLUXhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/siltflux.aspx
Damian Lawler and colleagues at University College Dublin and the Irish Central Fisheries Board have been awarded a research grant of ½ million Euros by the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland to carry out the first comprehensive assessment of the magnitude and dynamics of fine sediment transport and resultant sediment pollution problems in key Irish rivers.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/news/2011/siltflux.aspxsiltfluxsiltriversedimentpollutionfisheries